Blackhawk Fire Protection District reports increased calls, staffing changes and new CPR device

A representative from the Blackhawk Fire Protection District told the council the district responded to 542 calls in 2024, has steady staffing and is pursuing federal grants to bolster personnel and equipment.

The presenter said the department closed the year near prior call volumes, maintaining about 24 active members plus five explorers. The district plans to add three seasonal personnel per summer and is pursuing a SAFER grant to fund firefighter positions (a three-year grant intended to sustain at least four additional personnel plus seasonals) and an Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) for vehicle-stabilization equipment to respond to increasing semi-truck incidents on Interstate 90.

The district also reported purchasing a refurbished Lucas automated CPR device through a trade-in arrangement; the presenter said a new device retails for roughly $46,000 and the department will begin training on the machine. The district announced an open Blackhawk Fire Protection District board meeting on Feb. 20 at 7 p.m. and said it has a vacancy on its board.

The presenter asked the council to consider public-safety implications of nearby commercial property tax incentives (TIF) that reduce revenue for entities such as volunteer fire districts and said he would provide fiscal figures to the city for follow-up.